This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. We went to City Hall today, to ask the City Manager about his plans to have an outside against investigate this and other incidents 9-investigates has exposed. Officers said they followed her off the property and eventually lost sight of her. Williams was found days later in Savannah, Georgia parked at an train station with the Getman's vehicle, police said. We entered into an agreement with a third-party organization; however, the organization reconsidered and declined to move forward. 32 talking about this. In July 2019, Howell-Gonzalez took FMLA due to work stress; upon her return she was to switch to night shift, limiting her interactions with Severance and Bell. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. He further explains he cant put his car in park, as the Sergeant asks. A manner of death was not immediately released, but police previously described the crime as "heinous.". MOUNT DORA, Florida Just two business days after meeting with Lake Legal News to create a better relationship with the media, Mount Dora Police Deputy Chief Michael Fewless was fired for meeting with Lake Legal News. Mount Dora Interim Police Chief Mike Gibson said she was arrested out of state and will be extradited back to Florida in the coming days. (WFTV/WFTV) MOUNT DORA, Fla. Police are investigating the death of a man and woman at a Senior Living Community apartment in Mount Dora. "They were enjoying their golden years staying active and spending time with their many friends. Howell-Gonzalez complained to a MDPD sergeant, who always advised her he was told to leave Ofc. "Thats concerning," Mount Dora resident Jane Bloom said. MOUNT DORA, Fla. After a little more than a year in his current position, Mount Doras police chief is resigning, effective Thursday. Now, though, the city has a plan to move forward. According to the suit, on June 19, 2019, Howell-Gonzalez met with Bell who was then the acting chief and raised the issues regarding Severance using city time to perform personal errands and incurring overtime for which she was not entitled. In response, Bell became aggressive and moved close to Howell[-Gonzalez] and told her that Severance spends more time at MDPD than anyone, and that he [Bell] takes his daughter to school while at work and asked Howell if she was also accusing him of stealing time, the complaint states. Howell-Gonzalez took her complaints to a lieutenant in the department three times in April 2019 and Severances alleged behavior continued. (When LLN arrived at Fewless office, Chief Robert Bell was leaning against a nearby wall and appeared displeased to have LLN inside the department.). LAKE COUNTY, Fla. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against the woman accused of killing a Mount Dora couple at their apartment in December. 0:22. Please utilize our website regularly and follow us on Facebook, Nextdoor, Ring, Twitter, and Instagram to stay informed. The Mount Dora Police Department was the first law enforcement agency in the nation to receive full accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved. She graduated from UCF and returned to Central Florida after working in Colorado. In a court filing last week, the state formally said it intends to seek the death penalty should Williams, 50, be convicted of first-degree murder in the deaths of Darryl and Sharon Getman, aged 83 and 80, respectively, who were both found stabbed to death on New Year's Eve inside their home at the gated Waterman Village Retirement Community. The vehicle accelerated while in reverse striking me with the drivers door open, the officer wrote in his report. Officials in Mount Dora held a news conference Tuesday afternoon to give an update on the homicide investigation of a married couple found dead inside a senior living Channel 9 asked police multiple times if they were looking for a This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. He reportedly said the officer should accept the award by saying, Here, come take this, these are your people.. He graduated from Temple University with a degree in Journalism in 2010. Interim Police Chief Mike Gibson said there is no threat to the public, but he was hesitant to say anything else. Police arrested the driver, who is the person of interest, on a charge of vehicle theft. Brett Meade announced his Neighbors said they are very concerned for their safety, but police will be keeping a watchful eye on the community for the time being. Police Chief Brett Meade resigned last week over what he described as differences with the city manager, who wanted an outside investigator to review an incident caught on video showing a Mount Dora police officer, without reading a suspected drunk driver his rights, suddenly slamming his head into a car window while arresting him. Williams is also charged with grand theft auto. WebHaving a blast helping out fellow TEGNA news station ABC24 WATN Memphis for the next few days!! Chicago Mayor Lightfoot ousted; Vallas, Johnson in runoff, King asks Duke and Duchess of Sussex to move out of Frogmore so Prince Andrew can move in, Biden Mocks Marjorie Taylor Greene With 1 Simple Hand Gesture, A Nebraska high-school cheerleader competed on her own after the rest of her squad quit. Her identity has not been released at this time. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to online court records. A person of interest in the murder of a Mount Dora husband and wife is in custody, according to interim police chief Mike Gibson. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. According to interim police Chief Mike Gibson, a woman later identified as Williams was escorted from the complex by security the day before New Years Eve, though she was seen entering again that night. PUBLISHED 5:16 PM ET Jul. We will provide updates as we move through this process.. Its extensive, at more than 200 pages, and uncovered problems with culture and policies that are inconsistent, as well as a lack of training. He wrote in the affidavit of probable cause that he spotted Stevens cutting in front of several vehicles on Highway 441, near Donnelly Street. A reward for information is being offered in a homicide investigation of a husband and wife found dead at a Mount Dora senior living community over the weekend, according to police. Contact her with breaking news, tips, and feedback by sending an e-mail to352Tips@gmail.com. The officers Lieutenant wrote in this report that while deploying a taser on someone in physical control of a moving vehicle is normally against Mount Dora police department policy, I do believe that there were exigent circumstances involved in this case. He signed off on it, along with Chief Brett Meade, who resigned over disagreements with the City Manager about bringing in a third-party investigator to review two other incidents 9 Investigates has exposed, and now this one. Severance alone at the instruction of then-Deputy Chief Robert Bell, who later became the MDPD police chief, the lawsuit states. According to her lawsuit, Howell-Gonzalez asked that this activity cease immediately and that her concerns be immediately investigated. MDPD allegedly ignored her request, and inexplicably, Howell[-Gonzalez] was instead told that the IA investigation into Severance must first be completed.. Theyre investigating whether Meade was forced out under pressure because Meade said he refused to violate internal affairs procedures. He shot me with the taser twice and the last thing I remember thinking is that hes going to shoot me, so I had to get away from him, Stevens told Jones. John Stevens will likely die in prison if hes convicted for any of the long list of felony charges he faces, including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude, leaving the scene of a crash and driving while license canceled suspended or revoked. OGrady was succeeded by Robert Bell, who had been serving as deputy chief. 3 min read. She started her journalism career at LSSC, where she was editor of both student publications,The AnglerandTheOdyssey. Shortly before 11 p.m., officials said she returned to the community and knocked on the door of one of the apartments and asked the tenant if she could take a shower. Several calls to City Hall Friday went unanswered. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. In May, LLN was on scene the only media on scene of a murder at Lowes, 18795 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora attempting to get information from MDPD officers investigating the crime. On the way to the shooting LLN texted Fewless, who said a lieutenant on scene would be available as a point of contact. Police said they should be able to give more information Monday and they have been in contact with the victims son, but would not release any names until he arrives in town. Mount Dora police said a security guard had called 911 to report the suspicious activity. Williams Death Penalty Filing by Sam Dunne on Scribd. [TRENDING: Tropical wave could bring heavy rain to parts of Florida for weekend | She shouldnt have hit my momma: Witnesses describe girl, 10, accused of fatally shooting Orlando woman | Become a News 6 Insider (its free!)]. VIDEO: Deplorable: Man Tased by Mount Dora police sergeant speaks out Deplorable: Man Tased by Mount Dora police sergeant speaks out. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS Her professional career began at the Daily Commercial in 2004 where she covered cops and courts the majority of her time there until she left in 2009. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. MOUNT DORA, Fla. - A woman has been taken into custody as a person of interest in the murders of a Florida husband and wife at a senior living community over New Year's weekend, police announced during a news conference Tuesday afternoon. VIDEO: Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation shows Mount Dora police officer accused lieutenant of sexual harassment, investigation shows. MOUNT DORA, Florida Just two business days after meeting with Lake Legal News to create a better relationship with the media, Mount Dora Police Deputy Officials said she stole more than $19,000 from a cash register and left to location. In September 2021, a Mount Dora police sergeant pulled him over, because he said Stevens, was driving recklessly. Meade was brought in as interim chief to lead the assessment, which found a critical need for enhanced training. Read: Ocala couple arrested on multiple human trafficking charges, Marion County deputies say. MOUNT DORA, Fla. Only 9 Investigates went over the plan to revamp the Mount Dora Police Department after it went through two police chiefs in a year. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Police in Mount Dora are looking for a woman who reportedly stole thousands of dollars from a Walmart. At press time, LLN was awaiting numerous public records to confirm these allegations. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. >>> STREAM Police said the woman doesn't appear to have any ties to the Central Florida area, and they believe the woman was passing through. Police said she drove off in a silver Toyota Corolla. Watch: 4th person dies after last weeks fire at Orange County warehouse used to store fireworks. LAKE COUNTY, Fla. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against the woman accused of killing a Mount Dora couple at their apartment in December. Police in Mount Dora are looking for a woman who reportedly stole thousands of dollars from a Walmart. In alleged retaliation for taking FMLA, she was told she would be on dayshift, which would result in daily interactions with Bell and Severance. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. MOUNT DORA, Fla. - A Georgia woman who police believe is connected to the murder of an elderly Mount Dora couple has a criminal history spanning back decades. Brett Meade announced his resignation Wednesday, according to a news release. It appears it was a random crime, Gibson said during a news conference. This is an ongoing investigation. Hes been sitting in the Lake County Jail since he was released from the hospital last September after two weeks. Once he reached a red light, he activated his emergency lights and siren to conduct a traffic stop. The officer replied by saying shes Puerto Rican and OGrady said, same thing, according to the report. Channel 9 asked police multiple times if they were looking for a suspect and if the community was safe. The top priority, though, is reworking all agency policies and procedures. If you have any information, call the Mount Dora Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit at (352) 735-7130. MOUNT DORA, Fla. Mount Dora Police Chief Brett Meade on Wednesday afternoon announced his retirement, the city said in a news release. In total, Read: Pedestrian killed in deadly Central Florida hit-and-run crash, troopers search for vehicle. Stevens explains that hes having car trouble. 3 min read. TAVARES State prosecutors will seek the death penalty for Vickie Lynn Williams if she is convicted of killing Darrell and Sharon Getman in their Waterman Village home in late December. Williams, 50, was arrested in Savannah, Georgia in the couples stolen car. MOUNT DORA Residents woke up in Mount Dora Thursday morning with a new police chief overseeing the officers patrolling their streets. The suit alleges Howell-Gonzalez complained of fellow officer Ivy Severance using city time for her personal errands and it being a chronic issue. Anyone with information on this theft is asked to call the Mount Dora Police Department at 352-735-7130. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Authorities investigate an incident in Mount Dora. After her arrest in Georgia and subsequent extradition to Lake County, the person of interest in the slaying of a Mount Dora couple last weekend now faces first-degree murder charges. Frank and Pat Blair said the day before the murders, a woman tried to get them to let her in their home. Im not going to say it didnt happen. During the meeting, Fewless and LLN discussed working together to build a better relationship. After several minutes, it became apparent LLN was going to once again be ignored by MDPD and LLN left the scene. Meade is the third chief to leave Mount Dora police since 2019. ', Greece's worst-ever rail crash kills dozens, crushes cars, DeSantis team accused of threatening Trump fans with police outside of book signing: And the battle begins, Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter stops taking dogs amid high numbers of respiratory illness, Grafton incineration company agrees to take waste from East Palestine cleanup, Police investigate deadly accident in Hamilton Township. Following the discussion, LLN inquired if there were any updates on either the murder or the double shooting and Fewless took LLN to the office of Capt. Pat Blair said two police agents wanted them to look at a picture that they had of three people to possibly identify her. 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